PITTSBURGH — The Steelers are looking for a new starting center.
The team announced the release of Mason Cole, who started 34 games in Pittsburgh after being acquired in free agency two seasons ago.
The move frees up nearly $5 million in cap space, giving the Steelers even more flexibility with the $30 million increase in cap space announced by the league Friday afternoon.
Cole, who turns 28 next month, had one year left on a three-year, $15.7 million contract signed in 2022. Although Cole, a 2018 third-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, was a leader in the offensive line and in the locker room, he was inconsistent in his plays throughout the season, leading the Steelers to seek an upgrade at the position.
The team has the 20th pick in April's draft and closely evaluated offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl earlier this month.
